Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
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Vicarious Liability and Public Officials: When Is a Mayor Responsible for Employee Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a mayor can be held liable for a driver's negligence under Article 2180 of the Civil Code.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Determining Land Value Under RA 6657
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies which law governs land valuation for agrarian reform properties acquired under PD 27 but compensated after RA 6657.
Land Title Registration: The Imperative of Proving Public Land Status
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why applicants for land registration must prove the property is alienable and disposable public land.
Untruthful Certificates of Service: A Judge's Duty Beyond the Salary
A judge's false certificate of service leads to suspension. Learn the ethical rules and consequences from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Dacion en Pago Without Consent Cannot Nullify Debt Settlement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that dacion en pago requires mutual consent; a mere proposal or appraisal does not perfect the agreement.
Constructive Possession of Illegal Drugs: Proximity Alone Is Not Enough
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere presence near illegal drugs does not prove constructive possession; dominion and control are required.
Reasonable Doubt in Drug Possession Cases: Mere Presence at a Crime Scene Is Not Enough
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere presence in a friend's hut where drugs were found does not prove possession beyond reasonable doubt.
Seafarer Compensation Rights: Work-Related Injury Claims and Pre-Existing Conditions in Philippine Maritime La
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer compensation for work-related injuries despite pre-existing conditions, and the legal standards for disability claims.
Solidary Liability of Recruitment Agencies: Protecting Overseas Workers' Right to Fair Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recruitment agencies' solidary liability for overseas workers' unpaid wages and the prescriptive period for money claims.
Medical Negligence: The Duty to Consider Existing Conditions During Treatment
Philippine Supreme Court rules on seafarer disability claims, company-designated physician assessments, and the duty to consider pre-existing conditions.
Registered Vehicle Owners Face Liability Even After Selling the Car
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why registered vehicle owners remain liable for accidents even after selling their car.
Resignation vs Termination: When a Resignation Letter Is Not Enough in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is not voluntary and how employers must prove it to defeat illegal dismissal claims.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: When Is Land "Taken"?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when property is and "adjustment factor" to account for the time elapsed since the taking.
Corporate Authority: When Can a President Bind a Corporation Without a Board Resolution
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate president can sign pleadings and bind the company without a board resolution.
Treachery and Unlicensed Firearms Raise Murder Penalty in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how treachery and unlicensed firearms affect murder liability, penalties, and damages.
Certification Against Forum Shopping: The High Cost of Non-Disclosure
Failure to disclose a related case in a certification against forum shopping can lead to indirect contempt. Learn from this Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Public Office Ethics Improper Firearm Discharge AND Limits OF Misconduct Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal, retirement age, and limits of employer misconduct claims.
Homicide and Self-Defense: Burden of Proof and Mitigating Circumstances
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why self-defense must be proven by the accused and how courts assess voluntary surrender and damages in homicide cases.
Seafarer Misconduct and Due Process: Balancing Just Cause With Procedural Rights in Maritime Employment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers dismissed for just cause without procedural due process get nominal damages, not reinstatement.
Retrenchment vs Retirement: When Separation Pay Bars Retirement Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when retrenched employees can claim retirement benefits on top of separation pay under the Labor Code and CBA.
When Shipowner Negligence Sinks the Limited Liability Defense in Philippine Maritime Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when shipowners lose the limited liability rule due to actual negligence in cargo loss cases.
Seafarer Dismissal Upheld: Totality of Infractions and Due Process in Maritime Cases
Philippine Supreme Court upholds seafarer's dismissal based on totality of infractions, but awards nominal damages for lack of due process.
Just Compensation for Power Line Easements: Full Market Value, Not 10% Cap
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that power line easements may require full market value compensation, not the statutory 10% cap.
Donation Mortis Causa vs Inter Vivos: Understanding Estate Transfers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a donation is mortis causa, not inter vivos, and why formalities of a will matter.